Scripture teaches worship by making God known and showing how his people respond. Its songs remember his works; its warnings call for truthful hearts; its account of Christ explains our access to the Father. Learn to attend to God himself, to worship with his people, and to carry that allegiance into the ordinary conduct of your life.
Give God the honor that belongs to him
Begin with the Lord himself. Psalm 100:1–5 calls people to serve him gladly, come before him with singing, and enter with thanksgiving. The reasons follow: he is God, he made us, his people belong to his care, and his goodness and mercy endure. Praise is a truthful response to that reality. As you worship, remember whose presence you approach and name the goodness for which you thank him. The psalm joins gladness to the knowledge that your life is received from him.
God’s claim on worship includes your allegiance. Exodus 20:1–7 begins with the Lord who brought Israel out of slavery, then commands that Israel have no other gods and make no image to bow down to or serve. Deliverance and obedience belong together. Deuteronomy 6:4–15 calls Israel to love the Lord with the whole heart, soul, and might, keep his words close, and remember him when enjoying gifts they did not produce. Receive provision with gratitude and let God’s instruction govern the use of it. The gifts are reasons to remember their giver.
Jesus upholds this allegiance when the devil offers him the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship. In Matthew 4:8–10, Jesus refuses and answers from Scripture that worship and service belong to the Lord alone. The temptation offers authority and glory at the price of disloyalty to God. Honor him above the benefits that competing claims may promise. Faithful worship includes continuing to obey him when obedience costs something you desire.
Paul gives another reason for humility in Acts 17:24–31. The God who made heaven and earth gives life and breath to everyone; human hands do not supply something he lacks. Paul therefore challenges the thought that the divine nature can be represented by an image fashioned through human skill. He calls his hearers to repent in view of the coming judgment and God’s raising of the appointed judge from the dead. Come to God as the giver of your life, ready to receive truth and turn toward him. Your praise acknowledges his worth; it does not make him dependent on your gift.
Worship the Father in spirit and in truth
Jesus addresses the heart of worship in a conversation with a Samaritan woman. After he speaks accurately about her life, she recognizes him as a prophet and asks about worship on her people’s mountain or at Jerusalem. In John 4:19–24, Jesus announces an approaching hour when worship of the Father will no longer be bound to either location. He also says that salvation is of the Jews: the history through which God makes salvation known still matters. His answer directs her beyond the rivalry of places toward the Father and the worship he seeks.
The hour Jesus announces is already arriving in his own ministry. John 4:23–26 describes the true worshipers the Father seeks as those who worship “in spirit and in truth” and then records Jesus’ identification of himself as the Messiah for whom the woman waits. Worship must correspond to the God who is spirit and to the truth being made known through Christ. Give him a sincere response from within, governed by what he reveals. A location or outward action cannot by itself make that response true.
The wider Gospel helps explain how such worship becomes possible. John 3:5–8 speaks of birth by the Spirit, and John 7:37–39 expressly connects the living water Jesus gives with the Spirit whom believers receive. These passages support understanding worship in spirit as a living response enabled by God’s Spirit. John 14:6–11 identifies Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life, through whom people come to the Father. Depend on God’s help to know him, and let Jesus’ words and work shape the honor you offer. Inward sincerity and revealed truth belong together.
Ephesians 2:13–22 states this access directly. People once far off are brought near by Christ’s blood; he reconciles Jews and Gentiles to God through the cross and makes them one body. Through him both have access by one Spirit to the Father, and together they become God’s dwelling. Approach the Father through Christ with this shared welcome in view. The worship Jesus opens draws believers into fellowship with God and with one another.
Further study: Meda Stamper · NET Bible translators and editors · Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer
Draw near through Christ with confidence and reverence
Christian worship rests on the offering Christ has already made. Hebrews 10:1–18 contrasts sacrifices repeated because they could not take away sins with Jesus’ obedient offering of himself. He offers one sacrifice for sins and sits down at God’s right hand; the passage then recalls God’s promise to write his laws on his people’s hearts and remember their sins no more. Where sins are forgiven, another offering for sin is no longer needed. Receive Christ’s work as the ground of your approach to God. The sacrifices of praise and service you bring are responses to mercy.
Because of Jesus’ blood and his priestly care, Hebrews 10:19–25 calls believers to draw near with a true heart and full assurance of faith. It also tells them to hold fast their confession because the one who promised is faithful. Confidence here is rooted in God’s faithfulness and the way Jesus has opened. Come honestly before him, trust his cleansing, and persevere in your allegiance. The same passage turns that confidence outward: consider how to encourage others to love and good works, and continue meeting together.
Reverence remains part of this welcome. Hebrews 12:18–24 contrasts the terrifying scene at Sinai with arrival at heavenly Zion, the gathered people of God, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant. Yet verses 25–29 insist that those so welcomed must heed the God who speaks. Receiving an unshakable kingdom calls believers to serve “with reverence and godly fear” before the God who is a consuming fire. Receive his grace with gratitude and listen to him seriously; the privilege of access gives greater reason to honor his holiness.
Psalm 95:1–11 joins those responses in one song. It opens with joyful singing to the great King and Creator, calls people to bow and kneel before their maker, and then urges them to hear his voice without hardening their hearts as the wilderness generation did. The change from song to warning shows what praise asks of the worshiper: acknowledge the Lord and be willing to follow him. Ecclesiastes 5:1–7 likewise counsels readiness to hear, restraint in speech before God, and faithfulness in keeping vows. Attend to his Word, speak truthfully, and act on what you hear.
Further study: Bryan J. Whitfield · Rolf Jacobson
Praise God by remembering his works and mercy
Give thanksgiving content by remembering what God has done. Psalm 103:1–5 calls the soul and everything within the speaker to bless the Lord and remember his benefits: forgiveness, healing, rescue, steadfast care, and sustaining good. Verses 8–14 unfold his compassion: he is slow to anger, removes transgressions, and remembers that people are dust. The psalm also acknowledges human frailty and death in verses 15–18. Its praise celebrates the Lord as the source of restoration and mercy; it does not give each sufferer a timetable for healing. Remember his care with the humility and trust the whole song teaches.
Praise also looks beyond what you have personally received. Psalm 96:1–6 calls for singing, declaring God’s glory among the nations, and telling of his salvation because the Lord made the heavens and surpasses idols. Verses 7–13 summon peoples and creation to rejoice before the Lord who reigns and will judge the world righteously. His rule and justice are good reasons to praise him. Learn to speak of his greatness, holiness, and faithful judgment as well as the gifts immediately in your hands.
David’s prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:10–20 makes gratitude humble. After the people give willingly for the temple, he praises God’s greatness and rule, then acknowledges that their wealth came from God and that they have given back what was already his. He asks God to preserve this willing devotion in their hearts. The offering belongs to a particular moment in Israel’s history, but the prayer exposes the dependence beneath every gift: strength, possessions, and opportunity are received. Thank God as you give, and ask him to keep your heart willing.
Bring sorrow to God as truthfully as gratitude. Psalm 13:1–4 asks how long distress will continue and pleads for an answer; verses 5–6 turn toward trust in God’s mercy and singing because of his goodness. Psalm 88:1–18 continues to address the God of salvation while ending with grief still unresolved. Together these prayers leave room for a worshiper who cannot yet speak as though pain has passed. You can acknowledge God’s faithfulness, ask for help, and continue addressing him in the trouble you actually carry.
Sing with understanding and strengthen one another
Let the words you sing help you and others know Christ. Colossians 3:12–17 first calls believers to compassion, patience, forgiveness, love, and God’s peace in the one body to which they are called. Within that shared life, the word of Christ is to dwell richly among them through teaching, admonishing, and singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Singing therefore has a teaching purpose as well as an inward response of gratitude. Attend to what the words say, receive their instruction, and use your voice to help others remember truth.
Ephesians 5:15–21 connects wise living and understanding the Lord’s will with being filled with the Spirit. The following instructions include speaking to one another in song, singing to the Lord from the heart, giving thanks to the Father in Jesus Christ’s name, and submitting to one another in the fear of God. Song is woven into a life responsive to the Spirit. Offer heartfelt praise to the Lord while remaining considerate of the people who share it with you.
Understanding matters when the church gathers. In 1 Corinthians 14:6–19, Paul explains that indistinct sounds cannot communicate a message and that another person cannot say Amen to thanksgiving they do not understand. He therefore intends to pray and sing with both spirit and understanding, and prefers five intelligible words that instruct others to ten thousand words in a tongue. Verses 26–33 require contributions to build up the church and provide order so people can learn. Seek words that people can understand and a manner of participation that helps them receive and answer the truth.
Scripture also gives ample room for joyful, expressive praise. Psalm 150:1–6 names instruments, dance, mighty acts, and God’s excellent greatness, ending with a call for everything that breathes to praise the Lord. Receive the psalm’s summons to wholehearted praise. Its list, and the terms psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in Colossians 3:16, do not identify a required modern musical style. What these passages plainly direct is praise centered on God, shaped by truth, and offered from the heart. First Corinthians 13:1–3 adds the indispensable setting: even striking speech and costly gifts accomplish nothing without love. Let love govern the use of every ability in the gathering.
Further study: Scott Aniol
Share the church’s hearing, prayer, and breaking of bread
Give gathered worship a settled place in your life. Hebrews 10:24–25 tells believers to consider one another, encourage love and good works, and continue assembling as the promised day approaches. Coming together serves a shared responsibility: people need encouragement to remain faithful. Receive the help of other believers and come with concern for their perseverance as well as your own.
Acts 2:37–47 shows the beginnings of that common life in Jerusalem. Those who receive Peter’s message respond with repentance and baptism, and the growing community continues in the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. They also share resources in response to need and praise God together. Their daily attendance at the temple belongs to this particular setting. Baptism and learning obedience, however, rest on Jesus’ own commission in Matthew 28:18–20: under his authority, his followers are to make disciples among all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost and teaching them to observe his commands. Receive the message and instruction through which people are brought into this life of faith.
Join in prayer with generous concern for others. First Timothy 2:1–6 calls for requests, intercessions, and thanksgiving for all people, including rulers, so that believers may live peaceably in godliness. Paul connects this breadth to God’s desire for people to be saved and know the truth, and to the one mediator, Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom. Pray for people’s good, for conditions that allow faithful life, and for their salvation. Let gratitude accompany those requests. Verse 8 joins prayer to holy conduct and freedom from wrath: the people who pray together should seek the peace they ask for.
Give careful attention to the reading and explanation of Scripture. In 1 Timothy 4:6–16, Paul charges Timothy to nourish himself in sound teaching, set an example in conduct, and attend to reading, exhortation, and doctrine. The responsibility is addressed particularly to Timothy as a teacher; the congregation benefits from the public hearing and explanation of the Word. Hear with a desire to understand and obey, and value teaching whose message and manner of life agree.
At the Lord’s Supper, remember and proclaim Christ’s death. In 1 Corinthians 11:23–26, Paul recalls Jesus’ giving of the bread and cup and his command to do this in remembrance of him. The cup concerns the new covenant in his blood, and the meal proclaims his death until he comes. First Corinthians 10:16–17 calls the cup and bread communion in Christ’s blood and body: communion here means participation or sharing. The one bread also speaks to the unity of the many who share it. Approach the meal with faith in Christ, gratitude for his self-giving, and regard for the people gathered with you.
Paul’s instructions address a concrete failure at that table. In 1 Corinthians 11:17–22, some go hungry while others become drunk, and those who have nothing are humiliated. Verses 27–34 therefore call for self-examination, discerning the Lord’s body, and waiting for one another. The KJV word “damnation” in verse 29 refers here to judgment; verse 32 distinguishes the Lord’s corrective chastening from being condemned with the world. The consequences are serious: verse 30 identifies weakness, sickness, and even death among the Corinthians. Respond as Paul directs: examine yourself, eat with discernment, and care for those who share the meal. Remembering the Lord who gave himself must shape how his people treat one another.
Further study: Richard Carlson
Bring a truthful heart and a life ready to obey
When you have sinned, come to God with confession and a desire to be changed. Psalm 51:1–12 asks for mercy, cleansing, a clean heart, and a renewed spirit. The movement toward praise in verses 13–17 depends on that mercy: the forgiven person will teach God’s ways and speak his praise. God receives the broken and contrite heart. The psalm’s final prayer for Zion and accepted sacrifices in verses 18–19 shows that its call to contrition is not a rejection of every outward act of worship. Seek the inward repentance that makes your words truthful, and ask God to restore willing obedience.
Jesus shows how the heart’s allegiance is tested in conduct. In Mark 7:6–13, he applies Isaiah’s description of people honoring God with their lips while their hearts remain far from him. He then gives the particular example of Corban, a gift declared dedicated to God: people use that designation to withhold help owed to their father or mother, setting aside God’s command through their tradition. The problem reaches beyond insincerity during a ceremony. A religious claim has been used to evade an actual duty. Receive God’s commands as the measure of your devotion and fulfill the responsibilities he has given you.
Isaiah 1:10–20 makes the same demand for integrity in Judah’s public worship. God rejects sacrifices, assemblies, and many prayers from people whose hands are full of blood. His commands in verses 16–17 show the needed response: cease doing evil, learn to do good, seek justice, relieve the oppressed, defend the fatherless, and plead for the widow. The invitation to cleansing follows in verse 18. Turn from wrongdoing and do the good God names. The passage’s promise about eating the good of the land belongs to Israel’s covenant setting; the call to truthful repentance and just conduct gives clear substance to the worshiper’s response.
Offer your whole life in response to God’s mercy
Romans 12:1–2 begins its appeal with the mercies of God. After praising the wisdom of the God from whom and through whom and to whom all things exist in Romans 11:33–36, Paul urges believers to present their bodies as a living, holy, acceptable sacrifice. Their embodied lives become a grateful offering to the God who has shown mercy. Bring your actions, abilities, and daily responsibilities under his claim. This service responds to the grace already named; it does not supply another sacrifice for sin.
The KJV calls this offering “reasonable service” in Romans 12:1. Verse 2 explains the place of understanding: believers are to be transformed by the renewing of the mind so they can discern God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will. Devotion involves learning to judge and choose faithfully. Verses 3–8 immediately apply that renewal to sober judgment about oneself, membership in one body, and diligent use of differing gifts. Offer your abilities with humility, recognizing that other people’s service belongs to the same body.
Romans 12:9–21 continues with the conduct this offering takes. Love must be sincere; believers are to honor one another, persist in prayer, share with those in need, practice hospitality, bless persecutors, and pursue peace as far as it depends on them. Paul even commands feeding an enemy and overcoming evil with good. These duties give whole-life worship definite content. Honor God through patient, generous, truthful action toward the people before you, including those whose treatment makes that obedience costly.
Hebrews 13:12–16 joins spoken praise to practical generosity through Jesus. After recalling that he suffered outside the gate and calling believers to bear his reproach, the passage urges them to offer the sacrifice of praise continually, giving thanks to God’s name. It immediately adds doing good and sharing: the older expression “to communicate” in verse 16 concerns sharing with others. Such sacrifices please God. Continue thanking him with your lips and serving others with what you have, even when belonging to Christ brings reproach.
First Peter 2:4–12 gives this service a shared identity. Believers come to Christ, the living stone rejected by people but chosen by God, and are built into a spiritual house and holy priesthood. Their spiritual sacrifices are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. They are called to declare the excellencies of the one who brought them out of darkness and to maintain honorable conduct among those around them. Your service belongs with the service of God’s people and receives its acceptance through Christ. Let the mercy that made you his own become visible in your praise and conduct.
Further study: David Peterson
Let God’s promised future sustain your worship
Revelation opens a view of praise centered on who God is and what he has done. In Revelation 4:8–11, the living creatures proclaim his holiness and the elders acknowledge him as worthy because he created all things. In Revelation 5:5–10, John sees the Lamb standing though slain, able to open the scroll and praised because his blood has redeemed people from every kindred, tongue, people, and nation. The reason for praise is the Lamb’s saving work. Revelation 5:11–14 then joins honor to the Lamb with honor to the one on the throne. Let creation and redemption give your worship this depth and breadth.
The worshiping multitude in Revelation 7:9–17 has come through great tribulation. Their robes are washed in the Lamb’s blood; they cry that salvation belongs to God and the Lamb, and they serve before God’s throne. The Lamb will feed them and lead them to living waters, and God will wipe away their tears. Their joy does not depend on a history free from suffering. It rests in the salvation and care that bring them through it. Praise God now with that promised end in view, trusting the Savior whose mercy gathers his people from every nation.
Revelation 22:1–5 carries this hope to its fulfillment: the curse is gone, God’s servants serve him, and they see his face. In Revelation 22:8–9, the angel who shows these things refuses John’s act of worship and directs him to worship God. Receive the future God promises as a reason for present faithfulness. Continue to hear him, thank him, gather with his people, and serve through Christ. The Lord who is worthy of worship now is the Lord with whom his people will live.
Read the passages
Scripture in context
46 contextual selections for this subject, including the passages cited above and further related reading. Every selected range is reproduced in full from the KJV. Context notes identify the setting and kind of evidence.
Covenant law 2 selections
Exodus 20:1–7 KJV · In this guide
Context: The opening of the Sinai commandments identifies Israel’s deliverer before forbidding rival gods, worshiped images, and misuse of his name.
20:1 And God spake all these words, saying,
20:2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
20:6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Deuteronomy 12:1–32 KJV
Context: Moses instructs Israel about destroying rival cult sites, worship at God’s chosen place, meat, blood, rejoicing, and refusing foreign worship practices.
12:1 These are the statutes and judgments, which ye shall observe to do in the land, which the LORD God of thy fathers giveth thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth.
12:2 Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree:
12:3 And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place.
12:4 Ye shall not do so unto the LORD your God.
12:5 But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:
12:6 And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:
12:7 And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.
12:8 Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes.
12:9 For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the LORD your God giveth you.
12:10 But when ye go over Jordan, and dwell in the land which the LORD your God giveth you to inherit, and when he giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety;
12:11 Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:
12:12 And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that is within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.
12:13 Take heed to thyself that thou offer not thy burnt offerings in every place that thou seest:
12:14 But in the place which the LORD shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee.
12:15 Notwithstanding thou mayest kill and eat flesh in all thy gates, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee: the unclean and the clean may eat thereof, as of the roebuck, and as of the hart.
12:16 Only ye shall not eat the blood; ye shall pour it upon the earth as water.
12:17 Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand:
12:18 But thou must eat them before the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto.
12:19 Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.
12:20 When the LORD thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.
12:21 If the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee, then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy flock, which the LORD hath given thee, as I have commanded thee, and thou shalt eat in thy gates whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.
12:22 Even as the roebuck and the hart is eaten, so thou shalt eat them: the unclean and the clean shall eat of them alike.
12:23 Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood is the life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh.
12:24 Thou shalt not eat it; thou shalt pour it upon the earth as water.
12:25 Thou shalt not eat it; that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the LORD.
12:26 Only thy holy things which thou hast, and thy vows, thou shalt take, and go unto the place which the LORD shall choose:
12:27 And thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, the flesh and the blood, upon the altar of the LORD thy God: and the blood of thy sacrifices shall be poured out upon the altar of the LORD thy God, and thou shalt eat the flesh.
12:28 Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the LORD thy God.
12:29 When the LORD thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land;
12:30 Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.
12:31 Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.
12:32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.
Covenant narrative and priestly law 1 selections
Leviticus 10:1–11 KJV
Context: Nadab and Abihu offer unauthorized fire; the resulting judgment and priestly instructions emphasize holiness and distinguishing holy from common.
10:1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.
10:2 And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.
10:3 Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.
10:4 And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp.
10:5 So they went near, and carried them in their coats out of the camp; as Moses had said.
10:6 And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people: but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the LORD hath kindled.
10:7 And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: for the anointing oil of the LORD is upon you. And they did according to the word of Moses.
10:8 And the LORD spake unto Aaron, saying,
10:9 Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:
10:10 And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;
10:11 And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.
Covenant instruction 1 selections
Deuteronomy 6:4–15 KJV · In this guide
Context: Moses calls Israel to wholehearted love and remembered instruction while warning against forgetting the Lord amid gifts in the land.
6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
6:6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
6:8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
6:9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
6:10 And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,
6:11 And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;
6:12 Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
6:13 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.
6:14 Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;
6:15 (For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.
Historical prayer 1 selections
1 Chronicles 29:10–20 KJV · In this guide
Context: David’s prayer after willing gifts for the temple confesses God’s rule, the source of their gifts, and dependence for continued faithfulness.
29:10 Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.
29:11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
29:12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
29:13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
29:14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.
29:15 For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.
29:16 O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.
29:17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.
29:18 O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee:
29:19 And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.
29:20 And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God. And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king.
Historical account of temple restoration 1 selections
2 Chronicles 29:25–36 KJV
Context: Hezekiah’s restoration includes Levites with instruments according to commands transmitted through David and the prophets, offerings, song, and bowing.
29:25 And he set the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, with psalteries, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, and of Gad the king’s seer, and Nathan the prophet: for so was the commandment of the LORD by his prophets.
29:26 And the Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets.
29:27 And Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering upon the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD began also with the trumpets, and with the instruments ordained by David king of Israel.
29:28 And all the congregation worshipped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded: and all this continued until the burnt offering was finished.
29:29 And when they had made an end of offering, the king and all that were present with him bowed themselves, and worshipped.
29:30 Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto the LORD with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped.
29:31 Then Hezekiah answered and said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto the LORD, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the LORD. And the congregation brought in sacrifices and thank offerings; and as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings.
29:32 And the number of the burnt offerings, which the congregation brought, was threescore and ten bullocks, an hundred rams, and two hundred lambs: all these were for a burnt offering to the LORD.
29:33 And the consecrated things were six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep.
29:34 But the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burnt offerings: wherefore their brethren the Levites did help them, till the work was ended, and until the other priests had sanctified themselves: for the Levites were more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests.
29:35 And also the burnt offerings were in abundance, with the fat of the peace offerings, and the drink offerings for every burnt offering. So the service of the house of the LORD was set in order.
29:36 And Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, that God had prepared the people: for the thing was done suddenly.
Lament and trust 1 selections
Psalms 13:1–6 KJV · In this guide
Context: The complete lament moves from repeated how-long questions and petition to trust in mercy and anticipated singing.
13:1 How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
13:2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?
13:3 Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
13:4 Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
13:5 But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
13:6 I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
Penitential poetry 1 selections
Psalms 51:1–19 KJV · In this guide
Context: A penitential prayer asks for cleansing and inward renewal, anticipates praise, and ends with prayer for Zion and accepted offerings.
51:1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
51:2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
51:3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
51:4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
51:8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
51:9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
51:13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
51:14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
51:15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
51:16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
51:18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
51:19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
Lament 1 selections
Psalms 88:1–18 KJV · In this guide
Context: The psalm continues appealing to the God of salvation through distress and ends without narrated relief.
88:1 O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee:
88:2 Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry;
88:3 For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.
88:4 I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength:
88:5 Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand.
88:6 Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.
88:7 Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah.
88:8 Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.
88:9 Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.
88:10 Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.
88:11 Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? or thy faithfulness in destruction?
88:12 Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
88:13 But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.
88:14 LORD, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me?
88:15 I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.
88:16 Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off.
88:17 They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together.
88:18 Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.
Poetry, praise, and prophetic warning 1 selections
Psalms 95:1–11 KJV · In this guide
Context: A summons to joyful praise and kneeling before the Creator turns to hearing his voice and the wilderness warning.
95:1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
95:3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
95:4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.
95:5 The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.
95:6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
95:7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,
95:8 Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
95:9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.
95:10 Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways:
95:11 Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.
Poetry and praise 3 selections
Psalms 96:1–13 KJV · In this guide
Context: The nations and creation are summoned to honor the Creator and rejoice before his righteous judgment.
96:1 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
96:2 Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.
96:3 Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
96:4 For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
96:5 For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
96:6 Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
96:7 Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
96:8 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
96:9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.
96:10 Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.
96:11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
96:12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
96:13 Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.
Psalms 103:1–22 KJV · In this guide
Context: The whole psalm moves from remembered benefits through compassion and human frailty to God’s universal rule and praise.
103:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
103:3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
103:4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
103:5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
103:6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
103:7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
103:8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
103:9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
103:10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
103:11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
103:13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
103:14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
103:15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
103:16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
103:17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;
103:18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
103:19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
103:20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
103:21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
103:22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
Psalms 150:1–6 KJV · In this guide
Context: The Psalter’s final summons names God’s sanctuary, power, acts, varied instruments, dance, and everything that breathes.
150:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
150:2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
150:3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
150:4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
150:5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
Poetry and corporate exhortation 1 selections
Psalms 100:1–5 KJV · In this guide
Context: A complete summons to glad worship and thanksgiving, grounded in God’s creation, care, goodness, and enduring mercy.
100:1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
100:2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
100:3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
100:5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Wisdom instruction 1 selections
Ecclesiastes 5:1–7 KJV · In this guide
Context: Wisdom concerning approaching God’s house, listening, speech, and vows ends with the fear of God.
5:1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.
5:2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
5:3 For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.
5:4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.
5:5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
5:6 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?
5:7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.
Prophetic covenant indictment and invitation 1 selections
Isaiah 1:10–20 KJV · In this guide
Context: Judah’s bloodshed contradicts its sacrifices and prayers; the prophet commands justice and repentance and announces cleansing and covenant consequences.
1:10 Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.
1:11 To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.
1:12 When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts?
1:13 Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting.
1:14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.
1:15 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.
1:16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
1:17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
1:19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
1:20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Gospel narrative 1 selections
Matthew 4:1–11 KJV · In this guide
Context: Jesus answers the devil’s three temptations with Scripture; the final temptation offers kingdoms in exchange for worship.
4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
4:5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
4:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
Gospel narrative and commission 1 selections
Matthew 28:16–20 KJV · In this guide
Context: The risen Jesus meets the eleven, declares his authority, and commissions disciple-making through baptism and teaching obedience.
28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
28:17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Gospel controversy and Jesus’ teaching 1 selections
Mark 7:1–13 KJV · In this guide
Context: A dispute over tradition leads Jesus to expose lip-service and the use of Corban to nullify the command to honor parents.
7:1 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.
7:2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.
7:3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
7:4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
7:5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
7:10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
7:11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
7:12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;
7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
Jesus’ teaching 2 selections
John 3:1–8 KJV · In this guide
Context: Jesus answers Nicodemus about seeing and entering God’s kingdom through birth from above and the Spirit’s work.
3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
John 14:1–11 KJV · In this guide
Context: In his farewell teaching Jesus comforts the disciples and answers Thomas and Philip concerning the way and the Father.
14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
14:2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
14:4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
14:5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
14:8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.
Gospel narrative and Jesus’ teaching 1 selections
John 4:1–42 KJV · In this guide
Context: Jesus’ conversation moves from water and eternal life through recognition of his knowledge to true worship and messianic disclosure; Samaritans then hear and believe.
4:1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
4:2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
4:3 He left Judæa, and departed again into Galilee.
4:4 And he must needs go through Samaria.
4:5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
4:6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
4:7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
4:8 (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)
4:9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
4:11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?
4:12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?
4:13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
4:15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
4:16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
4:17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
4:18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
4:19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
4:20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
4:21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
4:22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
4:25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
4:26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
4:27 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?
4:28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,
4:29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
4:30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.
4:31 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.
4:32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.
4:33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?
4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
4:36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
4:37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.
4:38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.
4:39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
4:40 So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.
4:41 And many more believed because of his own word;
4:42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
Jesus’ invitation with narrative explanation 1 selections
John 7:37–39 KJV · In this guide
Context: At the feast Jesus invites the thirsty to come and drink; the narrator identifies the living water with the Spirit to be received.
7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Historical account of the early church 1 selections
Acts 2:37–47 KJV · In this guide
Context: The response to Peter’s proclamation leads into baptism and a description of the Jerusalem believers’ devoted common life.
2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Apostolic proclamation in narrative 1 selections
Acts 17:22–31 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul addresses Athenian worship, announces the Creator and giver of life, and calls for repentance in view of judgment and resurrection.
17:22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
17:23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
17:25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.
17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Doxology and apostolic exhortation 1 selections
Romans 11:33–12:8 KJV · In this guide
Context: A doxology leads into bodily consecration by God’s mercies, renewed judgment, humility, and diverse service in one body.
11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
11:34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
11:35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Apostolic exhortation 5 selections
Romans 12:9–21 KJV · In this guide
Context: The exhortation specifies sincere love, honor, generosity, prayer, hospitality, peace, and doing good to enemies.
12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Ephesians 5:15–21 KJV · In this guide
Context: Wise use of time and understanding the Lord’s will lead into Spirit-filled song, thanksgiving, and mutual submission.
5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
Colossians 3:12–17 KJV · In this guide
Context: Compassion, forgiveness, love, peace, Christ’s indwelling word, singing, and thankful conduct form one communal exhortation.
3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
3:17 And what soever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Hebrews 10:19–25 KJV · In this guide
Context: The therefore following Christ’s offering introduces drawing near, holding fast, and encouraging fellow believers through continued assembly.
10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
10:20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
10:21 And having an high priest over the house of God;
10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 13:1–16 KJV · In this guide
Context: Love, hospitality, solidarity, integrity, contentment, faithful teaching, and costly identification with Jesus lead to sacrifices of praise and sharing.
13:1 Let brotherly love continue.
13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
13:9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
13:10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
13:11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.
13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
13:13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Apostolic warning and sacramental teaching 1 selections
1 Corinthians 10:14–22 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul commands flight from idolatry and reasons from sharing the Lord’s cup and bread to the incompatibility of participation at an idolatrous table.
10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
10:15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
10:17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
10:18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
10:19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
10:20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.
10:22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
Apostolic correction and received teaching 1 selections
1 Corinthians 11:17–34 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul rebukes a divided meal, recalls Jesus’ institution of the Supper, and requires self-examination, discernment, and waiting for one another.
11:17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
11:20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper.
11:21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
11:22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
11:23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
11:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.
11:27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
11:33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.
11:34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
Apostolic teaching 2 selections
1 Corinthians 13:1–13 KJV · In this guide
Context: Between discussion of spiritual gifts and their use, Paul explains love’s necessity, character, and abiding priority.
13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Ephesians 2:11–22 KJV · In this guide
Context: Gentiles formerly far off are brought near through Christ’s blood and reconciled with Jews in one body and household.
2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
2:17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Apostolic correction of gathered practice 1 selections
1 Corinthians 14:1–40 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul compares prophecy and tongues by their effect on the church, then regulates participation, learning, and order.
14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
14:7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
14:9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
14:11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
14:17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
14:21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
14:25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
14:30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
14:35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
14:36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
14:38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
Apostolic instruction 1 selections
Instruction to a minister 1 selections
1 Timothy 4:6–16 KJV · In this guide
Context: Timothy is charged to pursue godliness, model faithful conduct, attend to reading and teaching, and persevere in his ministry.
4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
4:7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
4:9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
4:11 These things command and teach.
4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
New-covenant theological argument 1 selections
Hebrews 10:1–18 KJV · In this guide
Context: The argument contrasts repeated sacrifices with Christ’s obedient, effective offering and invokes the new covenant’s forgiveness.
10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
10:2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
10:3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
10:5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
10:6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
10:7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
10:8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
10:9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
10:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
10:11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
10:13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
10:15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
10:18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
Covenant comparison and exhortation 1 selections
Hebrews 12:18–29 KJV · In this guide
Context: Sinai and heavenly Zion are contrasted before a warning to hear God and a call to grateful, reverent service.
12:18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
12:19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:
12:20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:
12:21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)
12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
12:25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:
12:26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
12:27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.
Apostolic teaching and exhortation 1 selections
1 Peter 2:1–12 KJV · In this guide
Context: Believers come to Christ as living stone, are built as a priestly people, declare God’s excellencies, and maintain honorable conduct.
2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
2:3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
2:4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
2:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Apocalyptic vision 2 selections
Revelation 4:1–11 KJV · In this guide
Context: John’s heavenly vision centers on the throne and worship of the holy Creator.
4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
4:3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
4:7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
4:9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
4:10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Revelation 5:1–14 KJV · In this guide
Context: The sealed scroll gives way to the appearance of the slain yet standing Lamb and expanding praise for his worthiness and redemption.
5:1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
5:2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
5:3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
5:4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
5:7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
5:14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
Apocalyptic vision and promise 1 selections
Revelation 7:9–17 KJV · In this guide
Context: A multinational multitude before the throne praises God and the Lamb; the vision identifies their deliverance through tribulation and promised care.
7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
7:10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
7:11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
7:12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
7:13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
7:15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
7:16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Apocalyptic promise 1 selections
Revelation 22:1–5 KJV · In this guide
Context: The vision of the river and tree of life concludes with the end of the curse, divine presence, service, and light.
22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
22:3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
22:4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
Apocalyptic narrative and correction 1 selections
Revelation 22:6–9 KJV · In this guide
Context: The trustworthy message elicits John’s mistaken bow before the angel, who identifies himself as a fellow servant and directs worship to God.
22:6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
22:8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
22:9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
Go deeper
Sources & interpretation
The teaching starts with the cited Scripture. These consulted works inform wording, context, and interpretive questions. No qualified human review has been recorded for this guide.
How does worship in spirit relate to the Holy Spirit and the worshiper’s inward response?
John 4:21–24 moves from disputed places to the Father’s nature and the arriving hour; John 3 and 7 independently establish life through the Spirit, and Ephesians 2:18 expressly names access by one Spirit.
- Meyer emphasizes renewed human spirit under divine influence; worship must correspond inwardly to God’s nature.
- Stamper emphasizes the Spirit Jesus gives, reading John 4 with John 7:37–39 and truth with John 14:6.
PROBABLE: describe worship as an inward, truthful response enabled by God’s Spirit. The life-giving work and shared access are explicit in the parallel passages; the exact referent of spirit in John 4 remains debated. Avoid reducing truth to personal sincerity.
Further study: Meda Stamper · Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer · NET Bible translators and editors
Further examination: How do Jesus’ statements about the Father, salvation, and the arriving hour shape the phrase, and what do the Gospel’s explicit Spirit passages clarify without settling the word by themselves?
Which worship instructions carry directly into Christian practice?
Israel receives particular commands about sanctuary, priests, offerings, and music. Jesus announces worship beyond the disputed locations, and Hebrews grounds approach in his effective offering while retaining reverence and obedience.
- Christian worship should use only elements positively authorized for the church, distinguishing commanded elements from practical circumstances.
- Christian worship may use fitting forms consistent with Scripture, distinguishing unchanging duties from adaptable arrangements.
STRONG: teach exclusive allegiance, holiness, revealed truth, Christ’s sufficient offering, and explicit Christian practices. Do not silently transfer Levitical office or temple arrangements, or use covenant change to dismiss God’s commands. The broader disagreement about permissible church forms requires further theological review.
Further study: Bryan J. Whitfield
Further examination: Which part of a passage is a command to Israel’s priests, a description of a particular occasion, or a direction given to the church, and how does Christ’s work determine the connection?
What do psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs require?
Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:19 connect song with the heart, the Lord, the Spirit, and one another. Psalm 150 supplies a distinct older-covenant witness to varied, embodied praise.
- The three labels describe forms of biblical psalmody and authorize only inspired songs.
- The overlapping labels include biblical psalms and other faithful songs of praise.
- Some distinguish the labels by subject or use; that does not by itself establish a distinction between modern musical styles.
STRONG: teach biblical substance, understanding, mutual strengthening, heartfelt thanks, and love. The terms do not name modern genres. This package does not adjudicate exclusive psalmody or instruments in Christian assemblies; historical temple practice alone cannot settle either question.
Further study: Scott Aniol
Further examination: What duties do the sentences explicitly attach to singing, and what additional argument would be needed to establish a universal restriction on song content or instruments?
What does reasonable service contribute to Romans 12:1–2?
Paul appeals to God’s mercies, commands the presentation of bodies, and immediately speaks of renewed minds, humble judgment, gifts, and love.
- Reasonable or rational service emphasizes an appropriate, thoughtful response to God’s mercies.
- Spiritual worship emphasizes the transformed character of the offering, while the reference to bodies resists making it merely inward.
- Peterson proposes understanding worship, highlighting renewed judgment and willing obedience.
STRONG for the shared contextual conclusion; PROBABLE for finer lexical proposals. Retain the KJV phrase and explain its connection to renewed understanding and embodied conduct rather than present one proposed English equivalent as settled.
Further study: David Peterson
Further examination: How do bodies, mercies, renewed understanding, and the specific duties that follow constrain the meaning of the phrase?
How do remembrance, the Lord’s body, and care for the congregation belong together?
First Corinthians 11 places the bread and cup within correction of a meal that humiliates people with nothing. First Corinthians 10:16–17 names participation in Christ’s body and the many as one body.
- Discerning the body refers primarily to recognizing the Lord’s body in the meal.
- It refers primarily to recognizing and honoring the gathered body of believers.
- It includes both, so reverence for Christ and regard for his people cannot be separated.
STRONG that the Supper proclaims Christ’s death and requires self-examination and concern for fellow believers; PROBABLE that the phrase carries both dimensions together. The article retains the KJV Lord’s body and explains the undisputed social rebuke without settling presence, frequency, admission, or the textual variant at 11:29.
Further study: Richard Carlson
Further examination: How do Paul’s explicit references to Christ’s body and blood, the one body, hungry believers, and waiting for one another inform the warning and the commanded response?
- Commentary on John 4:5–42
Meda Stamper · Working Preacher, Luther Seminary · 2011-03-27
Reads worship in relation to Jesus’ gift of the Spirit and disclosure of truth; attends to the actual conversation rather than imputing motives to the woman.
What was reviewed
Complete commentary body, particularly its water-to-worship sequence and connections with John 7:37–39 and 14:6. Accessed 2026-09-25.
A concise homiletical commentary. Its Spirit identification remains an interpretation; statements about the woman’s motives or the Gospel’s exclusive uses of messianic language were not adopted.
- NET Bible translation and study notes on John 4
NET Bible translators and editors · Biblical Studies Press, via Bible Gateway · Online edition; page copyright 1996–2017
Clarifies the location dispute, communal scope of Jesus’ address, and the description of God’s nature in 4:24.
What was reviewed
Selected notes on John 4:11 and 4:20–27, especially note 47 on the mountain, 51–52 on plural address, 54–58 on 4:23, and 59 on the qualitative statement in 4:24. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
Selected notes only; no independent Greek manuscript collation or full inspection of works cited in the notes. Reader-facing Bible selections remain the pinned KJV.
- Critical and Exegetical Commentary on John: comments on 4:21–24
Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer · Historical commentary reproduced at Bible Hub · Historical work; online edition date not established
Understands spirit principally as the worshiper’s inward spiritual nature under divine influence, and truth as correspondence to God’s nature.
What was reviewed
Comments on John 4:21–24, including the discussion of human spirit, divine influence, truth, and outward forms. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
Historical alternative, read in part; exact print edition and translation were not established. Its broader historical and anthropological assumptions were not adopted.
- Commentary on Hebrews 12:18–29
Bryan J. Whitfield · Working Preacher, Luther Seminary · 2010-08-22
Connects new-covenant access with intensified attention to God and thankful reverence.
What was reviewed
Complete commentary and notes; especially the Sinai/Zion comparison, warning to hear, and conclusion about gratitude and reverence. Accessed 2026-09-25.
Lane and Saliers are cited by Whitfield but were not independently read. The concluding gold-purification illustration is not made a claim about Hebrews’ wording.
- Commentary on Psalm 95
Rolf Jacobson · Working Preacher, Luther Seminary · 2014-03-23
Emphasizes hearing and obedience within the psalm’s movement from praise to warning.
What was reviewed
Complete commentary and notes, particularly the shift from praise to admonition at verse 7 and its wilderness setting. Accessed 2026-09-25.
The reconstructed festival setting is not required by the psalm and is not adopted as fact. Mowinckel’s cited work was not independently read.
- Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs: Assessing the Debate
Scott Aniol · Artistic Theologian 6 (2018), via Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Equip the Called · 2018-04-10
Surveys competing classifications and argues the three song terms overlap rather than denote three distinct musical genres.
What was reviewed
Complete online article, including Popular Interpretations, Scholarly Interpretations, Implications, and footnotes. Accessed 2026-09-25.
Its cited commentaries and complete Septuagint word census were not independently inspected. The survey does not resolve all disputes about authorized song content or instruments.
- Commentary on 1 Corinthians 11:23–26
Richard Carlson · Working Preacher, Luther Seminary · 2016-03-24
Relates remembrance and participation to congregational unity, interpreting discerning the body with both Christ’s body and his people in view.
What was reviewed
Complete commentary; particularly its reading of 11:23–26 within 11:17–34 and connection to 10:16–17. Accessed 2026-09-25.
Specific house seating and arrival-time reconstructions are not treated as facts. His rejection of betrayed as a rendering and claims about transmission history are not adopted.
- Worship and Ethics in Romans 12
David Peterson · Tyndale Bulletin 44.2 (1993), 271–288 · 1993
Argues that Romans 12 presents embodied, community-shaped worship grounded in divine mercy; proposes understanding worship for logikē latreia.
What was reviewed
Entire 18-page article, printed pages 271–288, including notes; especially 274–281 on sacrifice and 282–288 on renewal and conduct. Accessed 2026-09-25.
His lexical proposal is an interpretation, not an undisputed replacement for the KJV. Works cited in his notes were not independently read.